Chapter Text
Barry Allen did not know what to make of the relationship that he has with Leonard Snart. They have been on the opposite sides of the law since they first met. Snart had both tried to kill him and had saved his life. Since the Flash and Captain Cold had come to an agreement about no killing and the keeping a certain secret, things have crossed over to the weird side
Number 1: There was much less violence with crimes involving any of the Rogues. A few people got tied up and gagged, maybe knocked out, but no burns or frost bite, no hail or tornadoes, no sonic injuries, or crazy bomb attacks. No victims were involved in attacking each other and no golden statues were found. The Rogues have become a kinder and gentler group of thieves.
Number 2: The targets of their crimes had changed. No longer were museums and art galleries hit. Jewelry stores were still an occasion target, but only the ones with insurance and where the employees who knew not to resist. The main targets now were wealthy individuals and corporations with less than charitable or down right bigoted viewpoints. A wealthy, supposedly Christian woman who professed that all people who were LGBT were doomed to Hell was robbed of a fortune of jewels. Two days later huge anonymous cash donations were made to a local shelter for LGBT youths and GLAAD. A wealthy corporation owner who was a sympathizer of the KKK reported that his high tech home vault was blown up and hundreds of thousands of dollars and all his guns were stolen. A large donation, cash of course, was made to The United Negro College Fund. These donations were accompanied with notes that said things like ‘Stay Frosty’ or ‘Keep Cool’ leaving little doubt who made them.
The Press had a field day, proclaiming the Rogues modern Robin Hoods much to the chagrin of the police. Barry’s favorite was a crooked state senator who condemned the Flash was just another criminal. He was found at the door of the capitol relieved of his clothes, Rolex watch, and diamond rings. He was tied up in rainbow ribbons and was reduced to a gibbering idiot; he stayed that way till Barry used the anti-Rainbow Raider flashlight on him. The Rolex watch appeared about a week later under Barry’s pillow engraved ‘To B.A. from the Rogues’. Barry put the watch in his sock drawer.
Number 3: Barry had now become the object of Leonard Snart’s attention, something that Barry did not have a problem with.
They first met out of costume quite by accident at Central City’s only gay bar. Barry came alone, still not use to the bar scene since his recent coming out. He had never been much of a party goer in college, spending most of his time with his books. He had convinced himself it was because he was in love with Iris, but he knew now that that was not true. After being in a coma for nine months he took a long look at his life and decided he needed to be true to himself. Navigating his new sexual identity was not easy, he felt more alone now than before, so he decided to give the club scene a try. He was standing at the edge of the bar, quietly nursing a beer, when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around and there was Len Snart.
Len was dressed in black jeans and a soft gray sweater, gone was the trademark smirk and his salt-and-pepper hair glowed in the soft lights.
“Barry, haven’t seen you here before, may I buy you a drink?"
Barry’s eyes darted from side to side, “You’re not here to rob this place are you?"
“Relax Barry” Len chuckled, “I’m off the clock, just here for a little socialization. About that drink, may I recommend a William Tell, hard cider with a shot of cinnamon whiskey?”
“I guess so”, Barry replied, a little flustered. One’s enemy usually doesn’t buy one a drink, but the drink was quite tasty and even though alcohol did not affect him, Barry was starting to feel relaxed.
“Let me guess.” said Len, “This is your first time at a gay bar, right?”
“Is it that obvious?”
“Well, there’s a first time for everything.” Len said with a smile
“I didn’t know you were gay.” Barry said.
“It’s not written on our foreheads, Scarlet, and it doesn’t come up too often in my line of work. Can you see me saying ‘this is a hold up, give me all your cash and by the way I’m gay’.”
Barry laughed as Len gave him his trademark smirk and for a while they drank in comfortable silence. The music changed to a song suitable for slow dancing. Len took Barry’s hand and led him to the dance floor. Len curled Barry’s hand into his and pressed it against his chest, he put his arm around Barry’s waist and pulled him close. Barry put his arm around Len’s neck and they swayed to the music. Barry looked, really looked, at Len’s eyes for the first time. They were a bright blue and laser intense; his pupils seemed navy blue rather than black. Barry was pretty sure he could get lost in those eyes. Then those eyes made Barry do something, he pulled Len close and kissed him.
To say Len was surprised would have been an understatement. The kiss was frantic, desperate, demanding, and oh so exciting. Barry’s lips parted and he licked his way into Len’s mouth. Len was more than willing to return Barry’s kiss but the dance floor was not really the place. He reluctantly pulled his lips away.
“Whoa, slow down Barry” he said, “not the time or the place.”
“Oh my God,” Barry gasped, “I’m so sorry, so sorry.” He moved to free himself from Len’s arms, ready to bolt from the bar.
“Calm down kid, you did nothing wrong.” Len kept his arm around Barry’s waist and walked him back to the bar. He gave a twenty to the bartender. “Let’s go out and get some fresh air.”
They sat on a small bench outside the bar Len took both of Barry’s hands in his.
“Look at me” Len said, “you did nothing wrong, we just shared a very enjoyable kiss, that I wouldn’t mind repeating. What’s really going on?”
Barry opened his mouth, but no words came out, instead he started to cry. Len wrapped his arms around the weeping young man and rubbed his hands up and down Barry’s back. He held him till the crying stopped.
“Do you want to talk about this?” Len asked gently, “I might know what you’re going through, may have gone through it myself.”
“I think I would, but not now,” Barry looked down at his hands, “I think I made a big enough idiot of myself tonight.”
“Give me your phone kid” Len punched his number in, “need a ride home, my bike's around the corner.”
“I’ve never ridden on a motorcycle before.” Barry said.
“Come on kid, just hang on and I will have you home in a flash.”
Barry groaned at the pun, but was soon seated on the back of Len’s bike with his arms firmly around Len’s waist. They were at Barry’s house in less than fifteen minutes; he wished the ride had been longer.
“Thanks,” said Barry shyly, “maybe we could have coffee, I do need someone to talk to.”
“Sure kid,” Len smiled and planted a soft kiss on Barry’s lips.
Barry watched him drive off and then climbed the steps into Joe’s house. He looked at his phone at the number Len punched in and smiled. Life can take the strangest turns he thought and maybe for the better.